One of the most important factors that influences a stream's hydraulic and ecological health is the streambed's sediment size distribution. This distribution affects streambed stability, sediment transport rates, and flood levels by defining the roughness of the stream channel. Adverse effects on water quality and wildlife can be expected when excessive fine sediments enter a stream. Many chemicals and toxic materials are transported through streams by binding to fine sediments. Increases in fine sediments also seriously impact the survival of fish species present in the stream. Fine sediments fill tiny spaces between larger particles thereby denying fish embryos the necessary fresh water to survive. Reforestation, constructed wetlands, and slope stabilization are a few management practices typically utilized to reduce the amount of sediment entering a stream. To effectively gauge the success of these techniques, the sediment size distribution of the stream must be monitored. Gravel bed streams are typically stratified vertically, in terms of particle size, in three layers, with each layer having its own distinct grain size distribution. The top two layers of the stream bed, the pavement and subpavement, are the most significant in determining the characteristics of the stream. These top two layers are only as thick as the largest particle size contained within each layer. This vertical stratification by particle size makes it difficult to characterize the grain size distribution of the surface layer. The traditional bulk or volume sampling procedure removes a specified volume of material from the stream bed. However, if the bed exhibits vertical stratification, the volume sample will mix different populations, resulting in inaccurate sample results. To obtain accurate results for the pavement size distribution, a surface oriented sampling technique must be employed. The most common types of surface oriented sampling are grid and areal sampling. Due to limitations in the sampling techniques, grid samples typically truncate the sample at the finer grain sizes, while areal samples typically truncate the sample at the coarser grain sizes. When combined with an analysis technique, either frequency-by-number or frequency-by-weight, the sample results can be represented in terms of a cumulative grain size distribution. However, the results of different sampling and analysis procedures can lead to biased results, which are not equivalent to traditional volume sampling results. Different conversions, dependent on both the sampling and analysis technique, are employed to remove the bias from surface sample results. The topic of the present study is to determine the accuracy of sediment samples obtained by the different sampling techniques. Knowing the accuracy of a sample is imperative if the sample results are to be meaningful. Different methods are discussed for placing confidence intervals on grid sample results based on statistical distributions. The binomial distribution and its approximation with the normal distribution have been suggested for these confidence intervals in previous studies. In this study, the use of the multinomial distribution for these confidence intervals is also explored. The multinomial distribution seems to best represent the grid sampling process. Based on analyses of the different distributions, recommendations are made. Additionally, figures are given to estimate the grid sample size necessary to achieve a required accuracy for each distribution. This type of sample size determination figure is extremely useful when preparing for grid sampling in the field. Accuracy and sample size determination for areal and volume samples present difficulties not encountered with grid sampling. The variability in number of particles contained in the sample coupled with the wide range of particle sizes present make direct statistical analysis impossible. Limited studies have been reported on the necessary volume to sample for gravel deposits. The majority of these studies make recommendations based on empirical results that may not be applicable to different size distributions. Even fewer studies have been published that address the issue of areal sample size. However, using grid sample results as a basis, a technique is presented to estimate the necessary sizes for areal and volume samples. These areal and volume sample sizes are designed to match the accuracy of the original grid sample for a specified grain size percentile of interest. Obtaining grid and areal results with the same accuracy can be useful when considering hybrid samples. A hybrid sample represents a combination of grid and areal sample results that give a final grain size distribution curve that is not truncated. Laboratory experiments were performed on synthetic stream beds to test these theories. The synthetic stream beds were created using both glass beads and natural sediments. Reducing sampling errors and obtaining accurate samples in the field are also briefly discussed. Additionally, recommendations are also made for using the most efficient sampling technique to achieve the required accuracy. / Master of Science

A gravel-bed stream's grain size distribution plays an important role in determining a river's depth, sediment transport rates, and stream bed stability as well as the survival rates of mussels and salmonids. Unfortunately, the material found in gravel-bed rivers exhibits vertical stratification as well as spatial variation in the horizontal direction and is difficult to sample. Previous research has largely dealt with the ability of grid, areal, and bulk sampling techniques to sample a single spot within a river. Little has been done in characterizing an entire river reach. Of the methods suggested, none is adequate because they are either inherently biased or are incapable of describing the spatial variations within a sampled region. The present research proposes a method that overcomes these problems. It shows that a single large grid sample, or composite grid sample, can be used to obtain an unbiased estimate of an area's overall grain size distribution at a known accuracy level. It then suggests that the arithmetic mean is a suitable parameter to characterize the coarseness of individual sediment deposits within a sampled area. Thus, by recording the size and location of each stone taken in the composite grid sample one can use statistical hypothesis testing to systematically analyze local means throughout the sampled area and locate sediment boundaries. Once the boundaries are located, stones from the composite grid sample falling within the boundaries of a particular deposit can be analyzed as separate grid samples representative of the individual deposits present and describe the local variability. / Master of Science

The long history of moderating watercourses to accommodate timber floating in northern Sweden lay the ground for river restorations. One restoration method is supplementing spawning gravel for Salmonidae to lay their eggs in. The success of Salmonidae reproduction is essential for the ecology in streams as well as for the economy and culture of Sweden. However, finding appropriate locations for the gravel beds, benefiting their longevity have been difficult. The aim of this study was to investigate if hydraulic and geomorphic characteristics influence mobility of 64 restored spawning beds in 11 streams in the Vindel River catchment, Sweden. Field measurements of the spawning beds condition were taken as percentage remaining and function. Metrics of fluvial power were calculated by geospatial analysis and compared to each other by a correlation model. A linear mixed effects model was made with belonging likelihood test comparing slope, drainage area, stream power proxy, distance to lake upstream, water depth over riverbed, channel width, restoration type and all variables together to the percentage remaining. The result showed that 84% of the spawning beds had moved while 71% of the beds were recorded as functioning. No significant correlation was found between any of the investigated variables by themselves or together and percentage remaining, suggesting other variables influenced mobility of the spawning gravel. Such as variations on a local-scale and variables connected to the northern hemisphere region. The lack of adequate data, subjectivity in the condition measurements and the proxy used for stream power also influenced the result.

No / In evaluating the resistance of sediment particles to entrainment by the action of the flow in a river, the grain geometry is usually characterized using representative sizes. This approach has been dictated, initially by lack of physical insight, but more recently by the lack of analytical tools able to describe the 3-D nature of surface grain organization on water-worked sediment beds. Laboratory experiments are presented where mixed grain size beds were mobilized under a range of hydraulic and sediment input conditions. Detailed bed topography was measured at various stages. Statistical tools have been adopted which describe the degree of surface organization on water-worked sediment bed surfaces. The degree of particle organization and the bed stability can be evaluated in relative terms using the properties of the probability density distribution of the bed surface elevations and in absolute terms using a properly defined 2-D structure function. The methods described can be applied directly to natural water-worked surfaces given the availability of appropriate bed surface elevation data sets.

Economic development is one of the main objectives of developed and developing nations worldwide. Development comes with growth of urban areas. Urban growth is achieved through sand and gravel mining for construction of modern, attractive and durable structures. The study examined positive and negative environmental impacts of the continuous removal of river sand, pit sand and gravel from sampled rivers and open areas surrounding Gaborone developing Central Business District, malls and private properties in city. Quantitative and qualitative research designs that is questionnaire survey, oral interviews, field observation and measurements were used to collect data from selected sampled points. Metsimotlhabe and Ditlhakane rivers were selected because they are nearer to Gaborone and most river sand is mined from these rivers. More points were sampled from open areas in Kumakwane, Kopong and Bela Bela farms where pit sand and gravel are mined. Convenience and purposive sampling methods were used to pick questionnaire survey respondents (175) from Kumakwane and Metsimotlhabe villages where people affected lives. Findings of the study highlighted that river sand was mined most from rivers near Gaborone compared to pit sand and gravel because of its multi uses. Mining is important for economic development, to construct durable, modern structures, employment creation and revenue collection but removal of river sand leads to deepening and widening of rivers. Artificial rivulets are formed as resource is extracted uncontrollably. Pit sand and gravel are extracted from open areas creating uncovered deep pits, which caused of accidents to children and livestock. Erosion and environmental degradation occur due to continuous mining. Miners dispose waste on open areas and riverbeds causing land pollution. Dust and noise pollution from tipper trucks ferrying sand and gravel are a cause of concern to villagers as the trucks move even at night, disturbing sleep. Solutions to uncontrolled mining include 24 hour security and regular raids on illegal miners. The author recommends that heavy penalties should be imposed to curb illegal mining. High level decision making forum involving all stakeholders is necessary to discuss problems of illegal mining and how to limit negative impacts. Department of Mines need to develop an Environmental Management Plan and a close monitoring program nationwide. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

Economic development is one of the main objectives of developed and developing nations worldwide. Development comes with growth of urban areas. Urban growth is achieved through sand and gravel mining for construction of modern, attractive and durable structures. The study examined positive and negative environmental impacts of the continuous removal of river sand, pit sand and gravel from sampled rivers and open areas surrounding Gaborone developing Central Business District, malls and private properties in city. Quantitative and qualitative research designs that is questionnaire survey, oral interviews, field observation and measurements were used to collect data from selected sampled points. Metsimotlhabe and Ditlhakane rivers were selected because they are nearer to Gaborone and most river sand is mined from these rivers. More points were sampled from open areas in Kumakwane, Kopong and Bela Bela farms where pit sand and gravel are mined. Convenience and purposive sampling methods were used to pick questionnaire survey respondents (175) from Kumakwane and Metsimotlhabe villages where people affected lives. Findings of the study highlighted that river sand was mined most from rivers near Gaborone compared to pit sand and gravel because of its multi uses. Mining is important for economic development, to construct durable, modern structures, employment creation and revenue collection but removal of river sand leads to deepening and widening of rivers. Artificial rivulets are formed as resource is extracted uncontrollably. Pit sand and gravel are extracted from open areas creating uncovered deep pits, which caused of accidents to children and livestock. Erosion and environmental degradation occur due to continuous mining. Miners dispose waste on open areas and riverbeds causing land pollution. Dust and noise pollution from tipper trucks ferrying sand and gravel are a cause of concern to villagers as the trucks move even at night, disturbing sleep. Solutions to uncontrolled mining include 24 hour security and regular raids on illegal miners. The author recommends that heavy penalties should be imposed to curb illegal mining. High level decision making forum involving all stakeholders is necessary to discuss problems of illegal mining and how to limit negative impacts. Department of Mines need to develop an Environmental Management Plan and a close monitoring program nationwide. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

River sand mining from the Maha Oya is the main source of income and a force that drives economic activity for residents along the river. This study takes place in Sri Lanka, there are three villages included in this project: Jambugaswatte, Janituspuraya and Thoppuwa. In Sri Lanka, sand serves as the main building material. It is used to make bricks, tiles, asphalt and concrete, therefore demanding a high market value. However, the over-extraction of sand comes along with significant environmental problems. These communities depend on the river in many ways and the health of the river directly corresponds to the health of the ecosystem as a whole. Along the Maha Oya two important elements of survival are in conflict with one another: residents simultaneously need a healthy, thriving ecosystem to live in, as well as economic opportunities. With support from the Environmental Foundation Ltd. (EFL)--a Sri Lankan environmental justice NGO--this study focuses on the complex situation with sand mining on the Maha Oya. Data for this study comes from fifteen formal interviews with a Sinhala-English translator. These interviews are used to address the two research questions for this project: how do village residents along the Maha Oya perceive sand mining? And what are the emotional, practical and theoretical responses of village residents to the effects of sand mining on their local ecosystems? In order to envision a sustainable future, it is vital to begin with a clear understanding of community perceptions of these complex issues, which are at the heart of this project.

Wheel loaders are fundamental construction equipment to assist handling of bulk material e.g. gravel and stones. During digging operations, it withstands forces that are both large and very complicated to predict. Moreover, it is very expensive to develop prototypes of wheel loader for verification. Consequently, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) was introduced for gravel modeling a couple of years ago to enable prediction of these forces. The gravel model is connected with a Multibody System (MBS) model of the wheel loader, in this thesis a Volvo L180G. The co-simulation of these two systems is a very computer intensive operation and hence, it is important to investigate which parameters that have the largest influence on the simulation results. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the simulation sensitivity with respect to co-simulation communication interval, collision detection interval and gravel normal stiffness.The simulation results are verified by comparison with measurement data from previous tests performed by Volvo CE. The simulations are compared to investigate the relevant parameters. The conclusion of this thesis is that DEM is a method that in a very good way can predict the draft forces during digging operations.

Coarse-grained beaches are particularly prevalent in the UK, composed of accumulations of either gravel, or mixed sand and gravel sediments. The aim of the work presented in this thesis is to improve capabilities for predicting coarse-grained beach 2D profile development. In particular, the effects of infiltration and sediment sorting are considered. In this study, the public domain numerical model, XBeach (v12) is developed further. This model was initially developed for studying sandy environments especially for the case of dune erosion. Here, the model is modified to enhance its capability to predict beach profile change on coarse-grained beaches. Improvements include: use of Lagrangian interpretation of velocity in place of Eulerian for driving sediment movement; introduction of a new morphological module based upon Soulsby’s sediment transport equation for waves and currents; incorporation of Packwood’s infiltration approach in the unsaturated area of the swash region; and implementation of a multiple sediment fraction algorithm for sediment sorting of mixed sediments. These changes are suggested and justified in order to significantly improve the application of this model to gravel and mixed beaches, especially with regard to swash velocity asymmetry which is responsible for development of the steep accretionary phase steep berm above waterline and sediment sorting. A comparison between model simulation and large scale experiments is presented with particular regard to the tendency for onshore transport and profile steepening during calm conditions; offshore transport and profile flattening during storm conditions; and sediment sorting in the swash zone. Data used for this and the model calibration comes from the Large Wave Channel (GWK) of the Coastal Research Centre (FZK) in Hannover, Germany. The results are found to agree well with the measured experimental data on gravel beach profile evolution. This is due to the inclusion of infiltration in the model which weakens the backwash volume and velocity in a more satisfying manner than through the use of asymmetric swash friction and transport coefficient. The model also simulates sediment sorting of a mixed sediment beach. However, the profile comparisons were not satisfactory due to limitations of the numerical model such as the constant permeability rate used throughout the simulation and the non-conservation of the sediment volume in the laboratory data by an order of 50%. From the simulation, it was found that the fine sediment moves offshore and the coarser sediment moves onshore. This is because of infiltration weakens the backwash velocity; the coarser sediment moving onshore barely moves back offshore while the fine sediment remains in motion. This pattern agrees with the pattern obtained from sediment samples analysis in the experiment and provides an explanation for the existence of composite beaches. The model is also shown to be capable of switching from accretionary to erosive conditions as the wave conditions become more storm-like. Again, the model simulations were in a good agreement with the observations from the GWK dataset. Numerical model simulations on the effects of the tidal cycle on coarse-grained beach profile evolution were also carried out. This preliminary investigation showed that the model was able to predict the anticipated profile change associated with a coarse-grained beach under such wave and tidal forcing. Tidally forced accretion and erosion were compared with those predicted under similar beach sediments and wave conditions for constant water level. The main differences are that the affected area is wider and the berm is located on the upper beach during flood for both gravel and mixed beaches. Therefore, the model developed in this study can be seen to be a robust tool with which to investigate cross-shore beach profile change on coarse-grained beaches and sediment sorting on mixed beaches. Further work is also indicated.

Este trabalho consiste na avaliação do desempenho do sistema composto por filtração direta ascendente em pedregulho seguida de filtração rápida descendente. A investigação experimental foi realizada em instalação piloto, variando-se a taxa de filtração nos filtros ascendente (60 a 240 m3/m2.d) e descendente (100 a 240 m3/m2.d) com e sem execução de descargas de fundo intermediárias no ascendente. A água bruta foi proveniente de um manancial superficial com pH entre 6,5 a 7,5, valores de turbidez compreendidos entre 8,5 e 21 uT, cor verdadeira entre 19 e 50 unidades Hanzen e alcalinidade entre 6,7 e 10 mg CaCO3/L. Adicionalmente, verificou-se o comportamento da instalação, para uma condição simulada de ocorrência de pico de turbidez de 380 uT, com curta duração. Em função dos resultados obtidos foi possível realizar considerações com relação à ocorrência de desprendimento/carreamento contínuo de flocos no filtro ascendente e constatar as influências da execução de descargas de fundo intermediárias, com produção de efluentes de melhor qualidade e carreiras de filtração mais prolongadas. O filtro ascendente com taxa de filtração de 120 m3/m2.d, foi capaz de absorver o pico de turbidez de 380 uT, produzindo efluente pré-filtrado com valores de turbidez entre 0,3 e 5,7 uT, e o filtro descendente, com taxa de filtração de 180 m3/m2.d, produziu efluente final com valores consistentemente menores que 1 uT, e na maior parte do tempo menores que 0,1 uT. / This work consists of a performance evaluation of the system composed by direct upflow filtration in gravel followed by rapid downflow filtration in sand. The experimental investigation was accomplished in pilot installation, being varied the filtration rate in the upflow (60 to 240 m3/m2.d.) and downflow (100 to 240 m3/m2.d.) filters with and without execution of intermediate downflushes in the first one. The raw water was provided from a superficial source with pH between 6,5 to 7,5, turbidity values between 8,5 and 21 UT, visible colour between 19 and 50 uH and alkalinity between 6,7 and 10 mg CaC03/L. ln addition, the behavior of the installation was verified, for a simulate condition of turbidity peak occurrence of 380 uT, with short duration. From the obtained results it was possible to accomplish considerations concerning the detachment occurrence/continuous flowing of flakes in the upflow filter and to verify the influences of the execution of intermediate downflushes, with production of better quality effluents and longer filter runs. The upflow filter with filtration rate of 120 m3/m2.d. was able to attenuate the turbidity peak of 380 uT, producing prefiltered effluent with turbidity values between 0,3 and 5,7 uT, and the downflow filter, with filtration rate of 180 m3/m2.d. produced final effluent with consistently values lower than 1 uT and in most of time lower than 0,1 uT.